Shining the Light: Christians as Gospel Bearers
Summary
The sermon delivered during the Candlelight service on December 17, 2023, focuses on the theme of Christians being lightbearers of the Gospel. The speaker, whose name is not discernible from the title, emphasizes the importance of reflecting God's light and being conduits for His purposes. Christians are reminded of their responsibility to prioritize God's desires and to let His light shine through them, with a warning against the hindrance of selfishness. Unity within the church is underscored as being rooted in agape love and sacrificial actions, which are necessary for demonstrating the joy of the Lord.
Drawing from Isaiah chapter 9, the pastor reflects on the prophecy of the Messiah who would come as a light to the world. Jesus, the promised Messiah, came to establish His Earthly Kingdom but was rejected and crucified by the Israelites. Despite this, Jesus willingly gave His life as a ransom for humanity's sins, offering eternal life to all. The sermon highlights the joy and hope that Jesus brings as the source of eternal joy and victory over sin and death. The government upon His shoulders symbolizes Jesus as the fulfillment of mankind's greatest needs, providing a government of peace.
The speaker also discusses God's design for salvation, sanctification, the church, marriage, the family, and government, emphasizing that it is God alone who came up with the idea of salvation through the Messiah. God's zeal ensures that His design for humanity works, and He is described as a jealous God who desires people to trust in Him rather than false gods. Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate counselor, embodying truth and offering guidance.
The sermon concludes with a call for self-analysis and reflection, urging believers to focus on making Christ happy and not just seeking personal happiness. The speaker draws a parallel between the Jews who tried to extinguish the light by killing Jesus and Christians who do the same by being selfish. A prayer is offered, asking God to help believers accurately reflect the light of Christ and to deal with their selfishness so that others can see joy, sacrifice, love, and unity in their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Christians are called to be lightbearers, reflecting the light of the Gospel in a world that often walks in darkness. This reflection is not merely a passive state but an active engagement in living out God's purposes. Selfishness is a significant barrier to this calling, as it prevents the light from shining through and undermines the unity that is essential for the church to thrive. [39:27]
- The prophecy of Isaiah chapter 9 reveals that Jesus came as the light to the world, a promise fulfilled despite humanity's rejection. His crucifixion, rather than being a defeat, was a willing sacrifice to offer eternal life to all. This understanding reframes the narrative of the crucifixion as the ultimate act of love and redemption. [28:37]
- The joy and hope that Jesus brings are not ephemeral but eternal, providing victory over sin and death. The government upon His shoulders is a metaphor for the comprehensive peace and fulfillment He offers, meeting mankind's deepest needs and establishing a divine order. [32:38]
- God's zeal for His design is rooted in His jealous love for humanity. He desires that people trust in Him and His plan for salvation through the Messiah. This divine jealousy is not petty but is a passionate commitment to the well-being and spiritual fidelity of His creation. [31:48]
- The call to let one's light shine is a call to steward the Gospel faithfully. Just as the Israelites attempted to put out the light by rejecting Jesus, Christians today must guard against obscuring the light through unfaithfulness or negligence. The purpose of the light is to illuminate and guide, not to be hidden away. [36:36]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:1-7
- "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
2. Matthew 5:14-16
- "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 9:1-2, what is the significance of the light that has dawned on those living in darkness?
2. What titles are given to the child born in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His role and character?
3. In Matthew 5:14-16, what is the purpose of letting your light shine before others?
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between selfishness and the ability to reflect God's light? ([38:47])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" in the context of Isaiah 9:6? How do these titles relate to His mission and our lives?
2. How does the concept of being a lightbearer in Matthew 5:14-16 challenge Christians to live out their faith in practical ways?
3. The sermon mentions that selfishness can "plug the conduit" of God's light. How does this metaphor help us understand the impact of selfishness on our spiritual lives? ([40:07])
4. Reflect on the idea that Jesus' crucifixion was a willing sacrifice to offer eternal life to all. How does this understanding reshape the narrative of the crucifixion as discussed in the sermon? ([27:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: Are there specific areas where selfishness might be hindering you from reflecting God's light? How can you address these areas? ([40:50])
2. Think about the unity within your church or small group. How can you contribute to fostering agape love and sacrificial actions to demonstrate the joy of the Lord? ([38:47])
3. The sermon calls for self-analysis and reflection. What steps can you take this week to focus on making Christ happy rather than seeking personal happiness? ([37:21])
4. How can you actively engage in being a lightbearer in your community? Identify one specific action you can take to let your light shine before others this week. ([36:36])
5. Consider the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-7. How does the promise of Jesus as the light of the world and the government upon His shoulders give you hope and joy in your current circumstances?
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's design for salvation, sanctification, and other aspects of life. How can you deepen your trust in God's plan and resist the temptation to follow false gods or worldly solutions? ([32:38])
7. Reflect on the role of Jesus as the ultimate counselor. How can you seek His guidance more intentionally in your decisions and daily life? ([34:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Role as Lightbearer
Christians are entrusted with the mission to illuminate the world with the Gospel's truth, actively embodying God's love and purpose. This role is not passive; it requires intentional actions and a lifestyle that reflects God's character. Selfishness dims this light, but through selfless living, one can shine brightly, drawing others to Christ. [39:27]
Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."
Reflection: How can you actively combat selfish tendencies this week to better reflect God's light in your daily interactions?
Day 2: The Crucifixion: Act of Love, Not Defeat
The crucifixion of Jesus, while a moment of profound rejection, was also the ultimate demonstration of love and sacrifice, offering eternal life to all who believe. This act of redemption should reshape how one views suffering and sacrifice, recognizing them as pathways to eternal joy and victory. [28:37]
Hebrews 12:2 - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: In what ways can you follow Jesus' example of sacrificial love in your own life, even when it involves personal cost?
Day 3: Jesus, Our Eternal Hope and Peace
Jesus' reign is marked by eternal hope and victory over sin and death, offering a peace that fulfills the deepest needs of humanity. His governance is not of this world but is a divine order that brings comprehensive peace to those who accept Him as Lord. [32:38]
Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Reflection: What areas of your life are you struggling to trust Jesus with, and how can you surrender these areas to experience His perfect peace?
Day 4: God's Zealous Love for Humanity
God's design for salvation and His plans for our lives are rooted in a zealous love that desires our trust and faithfulness. This divine jealousy is not petty but reflects God's passionate commitment to our well-being and spiritual fidelity. [31:48]
Exodus 34:14 - "Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."
Reflection: Are there any 'false gods' in your life—things you prioritize over your relationship with God—that you need to let go of?
Day 5: Stewarding the Gospel Faithfully
Believers are called to steward the Gospel faithfully, ensuring that their lives do not obscure the light of Christ but rather illuminate the path for others. Just as the Israelites attempted to extinguish Jesus' light, Christians today must be vigilant in living out their faith authentically. [36:36]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to ensure that you are not hiding the light of Christ but instead letting it shine through you for others to see?
Quotes
"Selfishness can obstruct the light of the Gospel in our lives. We must be vigilant in self-analysis, ensuring we prioritize Christ's glory over our own desires, living life for Him, not merely for ourselves." [40:07] (Download)
"True light, joy, peace, and hope can only emanate from Christ. As Christians, our calling is to reflect this light unobstructed by selfishness, so others may see His love and unity in us." [41:33] (Download)
"We're left here with a huge privilege and responsibility, and that is that I don't get up to say what can Timber L do that Timberlin wants. I've been bought with a price. I'm here to wake up to say what does God want, what will make God happy, what will please him, what will accomplish his purposes in my life." [37:21] (Download)
"The greatest sign that Jesus Christ is shining through me is Unity... the foundation of unity it's agape love... the very basis of agape love sacrifice... sacrifice produces joy... Jesus Christ was willing to lay down his life and embrace the cross... because of the joy that was set before him." [39:27] (Download)
"Jesus Christ would be the culmination, the very source of Eternal joy that would be made available to the entire world because he was the promised Messiah." [29:21] (Download)
"As the light of the world, as the only source of true Eternal joy, and as the only one who can give us true victory over sin, death, and the grave, Jesus Christ is the one who can provide a government of Peace, a true Utopia, and he's the only one that can and he will." [30:59] (Download)
"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end... the Zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform it. In other words, this is accomplished by God himself." [31:48] (Download)
"God proved that he accepted the payment of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross when he raised him from the dead and that is why he's able to offer everyone eternal life." [27:48] (Download)
"By Faithfully stewarding the gospel, the gospel is not just the means by which I get saved, but it's also the means by which we shine the light of the Glorious gospel unto those that so desperately need it." [36:36] (Download)
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